So when the supposed terrorists sought to have Mr. Grecula build them a bomb that he said could wipe out everything within 3,000 feet, he did not flinch, prosecutors said. "Of course, I don't like how y'all are killing Americans, but America has asked for it," he said, according to a court transcript. "They want a war, they got it."

Other sting cases are pending in Albany, New York, San Diego. The cases are making use of the increased information sharing provisions of the Patriot Act:

The recent prosecutions also reflect, in part, the Justice Department's improved ability to develop better communications in secret investigations as a result of structural changes put in place under the antiterrorism law known as the USA Patriot Act, officials said.

The F.B.I. is getting more aggressive with suspected terrorists. Instead of long investigations, they are acting quickly after getting tips. If it stops a real terror plot, that's good news.

But some defense lawyers and civil rights advocates said that the government's tactics raised questions about possible entrapment of people who pose no real danger but are lured into make-believe plots at the government's urging.